The Crimson Cord Book Review

Daughters of the Promised Land

Book One

Rahab's Story

SUMMARY:  Wife to a gambler who took one too many risks, Rahab finds herself sold as a slave to cover her husband's debt. Forced into prostitution, she despairs of ever regaining her freedom and her self-respect.  But when Israelite spies enter Jericho and come to lodge at her house, Rahab sees a glimmer of hope and the opportunity of a lifetime.

     In one risky moment, she takes a leap of faith, puts her trust in a God she does not know, and vows to protect the spies from the authorities.  When the armies of Israel arrive weeks later, Rahab hopes they will keep their promise, but she has no idea what kind of challenges await her outside Jericho's walls - or if she will ever know the meaning of love.

     Under Jill Eileen Smith's talented hand, the familiar story of Rahab bursts forth in high definition.  Immerse yourself in a world of dark and dusty streets, clandestine meetings, and daring escapes as a mysterious biblical figure claims her full humanity - and a permanent place in your heart.

REVIEW:  Rahab's story has always been one that fascinated me.  The bible doesn't go into great detail about how she became a prostitute, how she came to believe in the one true God or her life after joining the Israelites.  Jill Eileen Smith does an excellent job filling in those gaps with her version of Rahab's life journey.  At times, it's not an easy read when you see what she goes through and how it affects those around her.  It was interesting how the laws given to the nation of Israel by God were explained to Rahab, how they affected her personally and how she came to a better understanding of who she is and of God through them.  I really enjoyed this book, like I have all of the other books by this author.  While it may not be one you want your daughter to read but it is definitely one you want to check out if you are fascinated with this foreigner who is in the lineage of Christ.

This book was provided by Revell for review without compensation.

Jill Eileen Smith is the bestselling author of the Wives of King David series, The Wives of the Patriarchs series, and the ebook novella The Desert Princess, first in the Loves of King Solomon series.  Her research into the lives of biblical women has taken her from the Bible to Israel, and she particularly enjoys learning how women lived in Old Testament times.  Jill lives with her family in southeast Michigan.  Learn more at www.jilleileensmith.com.

Keepers of the Covenant Book Review

The Restoration Chronicles

Book Two

SUMMARY:  In Their Darkest Hour, Where Would Hope Be Found?

     In one life-changing moment, the lives of the exiles in Babylon are thrown into despair when a decree from the king's palace calls for the annihilation of every Jewish man, woman and child throughout the empire in less than one year.

     Ezra, a quiet but brilliant scholar, soon finds himself called upon to become the leader of his people.  Forced to rally an army when all his training has been in the Torah, he struggles to bring hope in a time of utter despair, when dreams of the future - of family and love - seem impossible.

     In Keepers of the Covenant, acclaimed novelist Lynn Austin weaves together the struggles and stories of both Jews and Gentiles, creating a tapestry of faith and doubt, love and loss.  Here, the Old Testament comes to life, demonstrating the everlasting hope displayed in God's unwavering love for His people.

REVIEW:  I really enjoyed this book!!  It weaves together the Old Testament books of Esther and Ezra seamlessly.  This is the first time I've read a book that shows what the Jewish people went through and how they felt after Haman's decree went out across the Persian Empire.  While I know the events of this book are fiction, Ms. Austin made me feel like I was right there experiencing the devastation and loss, along with the joy and jubilation of being given the right to defend themselves and after the war was over.  She also shows how this event affected those living in Judah, both Jews and Gentile, and the return of Jews from Babylon under King Artaxerxes.  The parts of the returning Jews I found though-provoking were when Ezra informs the people of Judah they must now completely follow the law of Moses, given to them by God, and the consequences some had to face because they had married Gentiles who did not follow the Almighty One exclusively.  I also loved how Esther's story is woven in at the end and the discussion (by characters in the book) on why God's name is never mentioned.  Even if you find the book of Ezra boring and difficult to follow, this book will help you understand it and why Ezra made the decrees he did as governor.  Fascinating read!!

 

This book was provided by Litfuse Publicity Group and Bethany House for review without compensation.

Lynn Austin is a bestselling author and has sold more than one million copies of her books worldwide.  She is an eight-time Christy Award winner for her historical novels, as well as a popular speaker at retreats and conventions.  Lynn and her husband have raised three children and live in Michigan.  Learn more at www.lynnaustin.org.

Take This Cup Book Review

Jerusalem Chronicles

Book Two

SUMMARY:  Woven into the fabric of prophecy, a young boy named Nehemiah must choose to embrace his destiny as cupbearer to the King of Kings.

     When Nehemiah, the child of Jewish exiles, begins hearing whispers and experiencing portentous visions, it quickly becomes clear to his father and his rabbi that the young cupbearer is meant for a higher purpose . . . but what?  Certain that the Messiah is alive at that very moment, the family waits for the boy's destiny to be revealed.

     From the ancient site of the Garden of Eden, Nehemiah undertakes a perilous journey.  The caravan route is full of danger, hardship, and mystery - all linked to what Nehemiah has in his keeping.  

     In due time, his path becomes clear.  It leads to Jerusalem, to a wealthy pharisee named Joseph of Arimathea . . . and to Jesus of Nazareth.

     In Take This Cup, the second installment of the Jerusalem Chronicles, Bodie and Brock Thoene envision more of Scripture's most enigmatic moments and expand their award-winning canon of historical fiction with unprecedented power and depth.

REVIEW:  This book is different than most I've read.  It mixes bible history and stories with fantasy, stretching my ideas of what could be true and what is purely fiction.  The story starts out in the land where the Garden of Eden was said to exist, with the food and animals raised there direct descendents of the animals and plants that were there before the Fall of Adam and Eve.  The families that live there are descendents of Jewish families who were exiled there and chose to stay when Jews returned to Jerusalem.  Like the first book, liberties are taken with the characters of the bible and the stories of the New Testament: Nehemiah's rabbi being one of the Magi, Joseph of Arimathea having close ties to Jesus, and Lazarus being included with Jesus in the pharisee's "death threats," just to name a few.  While I don't necessarily agree with some of the connections, I do like how everything ties together.  I even saw the potential for characters in future stories in this series.  It would be interesting to see if some of my thinkings actually play out.

     This is an interesting book.

This book was provided by Zondervan and Booklook Bloggers for review without compensation.

Bodie and Brock Thoene are the bestselling authors of over sixty-five works of historical fiction. Their timeless classics have sold more than thirty-five million copies and won eight ECPA Gold Medallion Awards.  The Thoenes have four grown children and eight grandchildren.  They divide their time between Hawaii, London, and Nevada.

The Queen's Handmaid Book Review

SUMMARY:  A jealous Egyptian queen.  A lascivious Galilean governor.  A beautiful servant girl.  Theirs is a story of prophecy, self-discovery, and revelation.
     The year is 39 BC.  All of Alexandria awaits the arrival of Herod, the Galilean governor with his eye on the Judean kingship.  The handmaid of Cleopatra, Queen of Egypt, receives a troubling visit from her aging mentor.
     An orphan since birth, Lydia lives in the palace at the demand of Cleopatra and her royal child, the son of Julius Caesar.  But Lydia has a growing problem on her hands: her beauty is becoming a liability to the aging queen, and the visiting Herod's undisguised interest only makes matter worse.
     When Lydia's mentor is murdered, the handmaid inherits a daunting task.  An ancient set of sealed scrolls, the secret writings of the prophet Daniel, must be returned to Jerusalem - before those who killed her mentor destroy the scrolls as well.  The future of the Israelites depend on it.  So Lydia leaves the palace to serve as lady's maid to Herod's wife in the Holy City.
     As Lydia is absorbed into the machinations of Herod's household, her mission - and her people's hope of a Messianic King - are endangered at every turn.  Can Lydia avoid the adulterous intentions of Herod?  Can she deliver the scrolls to the mysterious man on the steps of the Temple?  Will the true King of Israel ever rise?

REVIEW:  The description of this book caught my attention.  The author did a wonderful job with the twists and turns of the story.  I think my favorite part was toward the end when she finally meets the mystery man to whom she is supposed to give the scrolls.  Lydia's determination to deliver the scrolls is to be commended, especially since it takes many years and sometimes insurmountable obstacles.  The details of the monarchies and all the intricacies of Judea, Rome and Egypt sometimes got a little overwhelming for me, trying to keep everything straight, but is a testament to the research and detail the author did.  This is a wonderful book.  I would love to find others of hers to read.

This book was provided by Litfuse Publicity Group for review without compensation.

Tracy L. Higley started her first novel at the age of eight and has been hooked on writing ever since.  She has authored nine novels, including Garden of Madness and So Shines the Night.  Tracy is currently pursuing a graduate degree in Ancient History and has traveled through Greece, Turkey, Egypt, Israel, Jordan, and Italy, researching her novels and falling into adventures.  See her travel journals and more at TracyHigley.com. 

In the Shadow of Jezebel Book Review

SUMMARY:  In a kingdom controlled by cruel and manipulative women, one princess will discover the power of truth and love.
     Trained as a priestess in the temple of Baal, Princess Jehosheba strives to please the demanding Queen Athaliah, daughter of Jezebel.  But when a mysterious letter from the dead prophet Elijah predicts doom for the royal household, Jehosheba realizes that the dark arts she practices reach far beyond the realm of early governments.
     Forced to marry Yahweh's high priest in order to further Athaliah and Jezebel's power plays, Jehosheba enters the unfamiliar world of Yahweh's Temple.  Can her new husband show her the truth and love she craves?  And can Jehosheba overcome her fear and save the family - and the nation - she loves?
     With deft skill, Mesu Andrews brings the Old Testament to life, revealing a fascinating story of the power of unconditional love.

REVIEW:  Mesu Andrews has hit the ball out of the park again with this book!  There are so many things about this book I love that I couldn't begin to list them.  But, one of my favorites was Jehosheba.  When she marries Jehoiada, she has to give up worshipping Bael and focus solely on the worship of Yahweh.  Instead of trying to worship Baal in secret, she learns all she can about the worship of Yahweh and does her best to comply with all the requirements.  She doesn't understand but little by little, she is won over by Jehoiada, her husband and Yahweh's High Priest.  I love how she doesn't compromise her new faith when she is put in difficult circumstances by Queen Athaliah and her mother Queen Jezebel.  Jehosheba does what she can when it looks like worship in Yahweh will be very difficult and finds her strength in God with the love and support of her husband.
     Out of all the books I've read of this author's, this is probably my all-time favorite.

This book was provided by Revell for review without compensation.

Mesu Andrews is the award-winning author of Love Amid the Ashes, Love's Sacred Song, and Love in a Broken Vessel.  Winner of the 2012 ECPA Christian Book Award for New Author, she has devoted herself to passionate and intense study of Scripture, bringing her biblical world vividly alive for her readers.  She lives in Washington.  Learn more at www.mesuandrews.com.

The Thief Book Review

The Living Water Series

Book Two

SUMMARY: MY GOD, MY GOD, WHY HAVE YOU ABANDONED ME?

     Nissa is a Jewish woman with a sharp tongue and no hope of marriage.  Abandoned by the God she once loved, her only recourse is to depend upon Mouse, the best thief in Jerusalem, to keep her blind brother, Cedron, fed and the landlord satisfied.

     Longinus is a Roman centurion haunted by death and failure and is desperate to escape the accursed Judean province.  Accepting a wager that will get him away from the aggravating Jews and their threats of revolt, he sets out to catch the thieves harassing the marketplace.

     When a controversial teacher miraculously heals Cedron, Nissa hopes for freedom from her life of lies.  But the supposed miracle brings only more misfortune, and Longinus, seeking to learn more about the mysterious healer, finds himself drawn instead to Nissa, whose secret will determine the course of both their futures.

     Cedron, Longinus, and Nissa are unexpectedly caught up in the arrest, trial, and crucifixion of Jesus.  As danger closes in on them from every side, they must decide if the love and redemption Jesus offers is true or just another false promise.  How can the so-called Messiah save them from their shackles, when he cannot even safe himself?

REVIEW:  The approach this author took with the story was very interesting and unique. Instead of Jesus being the main story, the author had his story running in the background but the focus was on Nissa, Cedron and Longinus.  This approach was interesting because the main characters only has contact with Jesus once but heard the stories of Jesus' teachings and miracles from those people around him.  

     Life was very hard for Nissa and Cedron.  Even after his sight is restored, Cedron doesn't find a job but instead hooks up with a band of Zealots ready to take action once Jesus leads his revolt against Rome.  Nissa is forced to find work the only way she knows how: robbing the visitors and patrons in the marketplace. 

     The changes Longinus goes through in regards to his thinking about the Jews and Jesus were interesting.  What the author had him do towards the end of the book was difficult to read but, as I read through it slowly, I understood why.

    The only complaint I have about the story is I thought it ended way to soon.  It stopped after Jesus' tomb is found to be empty and left me with a lot of unanswered questions.  Other than that, I enjoyed this book and look forward to reaching the next one when it come out.

     This is the second book in the Living Water series but stands on its own. I saw glimpses of what might have been from the first story but it flowed well with this one.

This book was provided by Litfuse Publicity Group for review without compensation.

Stephanie Landsem writes historical fiction because she loves adventure in far-off times and places.  In real life, she's explored ancient ruins, medieval castles, and majestic cathedrals around the world.  Stephanie is equally happy at home in Minnesota with her husband, four children, and three fat cats.  When she's not writing, she's feeding the ravenous horde, avoiding housework, and dreaming about her next adventure - whether it be in person or on the page.

Rachel Book Review

Wives of the Patriarchs

Book Three

SUMMARY:  Can true love overcome a legacy of betrayal?

     Rachel wants nothing more than for her older half sister Leah to wed and move out of their household.  Leah wishes her father would find a good man who would love her alone.  Unbeknownst to either of them, Jacob is making his way to their home, trying to escape a past laced with deceit and find the future God has promised him.

     But the past comes back to haunt Jacob when he finds himself on the receiving end of treachery.  The man who wanted only one woman ends up with sisters who have never gotten along and now must spend the rest of their lives sharing a husband.  In the power struggles that follow, only one woman will triumph . . .  or will she?

     Combining meticulous research with her own imaginings, bestselling author Jill Eileen Smith not only tells one of the most famous love stories of all time but will manage to surprise even those who think they know the story inside and out.

REVIEW:  After reading this book, I wondered if the title should have been Rachel and Leah.  While it did cover Rachel and her frustrations of having to share her husband with her sister and having difficulties getting pregnant, the thoughts and frustrations of Leah were also a main feature.  But, if you are familiar with their story in Genesis, their lives are forever intertwined together as sisters and as the wives of Jacob.  Now, the liberties (for lack of a better word) the author took with their stories gave me something to think about.  She chose to have the women share a father but have different mothers, creating a rift in their relationship early on.  Jacob isn't quite the trickster we think him to be when it comes to Laban and his dealings with his uncle.  We see the difficulties of a polygamous marriage, especially when the wives are hated rivals. 
     At times, I didn't like Rachel because she acted like a spoiled child.  My heart went out to Leah because of her unrequited love for Jacob.  The difficulties of having to share a husband and his wanting to stay away from the bickering and fighting just added to the problem.  I liked how Jacob came to appreciate Leah more towards the end of the book and how his love, while his heart still went to Rachel, grew more as time went on.  I also liked how the author had Rachel and Leah develop a friendship and closeness, eventually accepting each others role as mother and wife.  Lastly, sometimes the story seemed to drag.
     This was a good book and gives an interesting look at these three pivotal characters in the biblical story.

This book was provided by Revell for review without compensation.

Jill Eileen Smith is the author of the bestselling Wives of King David series and of Sarai and Rebekah in the Wives of the Patriarchs series.  Her research into the lives of biblical women has taken her from the Bible to Israel, and she particularly enjoys learning how women lived in Old Testament times.  Jill lives with her family in southeast Michigan.  Learn more at www.jilleileensmith.com.

Return to Me Book Review

The Restoration Chronicles

Book One

SUMMARY:  After decades of exile, the prophesies are coming true - King Cyrus has declared the Jews may return to Jerusalem.  Iddo, a priest, is sure this is a sign of God's renewed favor.  For too long they've remained in Babylon, and many, including Iddo's sons, are losing the faith that sets them apart.  And so only a few choose to leave everything to return - return to their home and their God.

     Nothing about thier journey to the Promised land is easy.  As hardships mount, even the faithful, like Iddo's beloved wife, Dinah, question the sacrifice of following God's leading.  Zechariah, Iddo's oldest grandson, feels torn between his grandfather's ancient beliefs and the family they left behind.  But one life-changing encounter with the Holy One gives him insight that will change Zechariah - and history - forever.

     Bringing the Old Testament to vibrant life, Return to Me tells the compelling story of two men living by faith in the midst of doubt, the women who love them, and the faithful remnant struggling to rebuild their lives in obedience to the God who beckons them home.

REVIEW:  I don't know about you but I am interested in reading fictional stories about people, places and time in the bible.  Even though the stories are made up by the author, they give me a better sense of what life may have been like and more insight into that particular place and time in history.  This novel fits that bill.  Set the time of the return of some of the Jews to Jerusalem from Babylon, the author shows us how difficult life was.  They had to build houses out of the rubble; there were no walls around the city to protect them; and they faced latent hostility from the people who were left behind.  Memories of what Jerusalem had been, the horrors that took place during the Babylonian siege and what is left behind in Babylon assail them at every turn.  Everyone also struggles with doubts as to whether or not it was God's leading to return and about the situations they currently face.  But, time and time again, God shows Himself to this little band of people who listened to Him and are doing what He asks.  He does this through his prophets Zechariah and Haggai and in the temple when God accepts their sacrifices and follows through with His promises.
     While, the book seemed to drag a bit in places, the details provided are necessary to cover all the details involved and to understand everything going on.  This is a great book and I'm looking forward to reading the next ones in this series.

This book was provided by Litfuse Publicity Group and Bethany House for review without compensation.

Lynn Austin has published twelve novels. Eight of her historical novels have won Christy Awards for excellence in Christian Fiction: Hidden Places (2001), Candle in the Darkness (2002), Fire by Night (2003), A Proper Pursuit (2007), Until We Reach Home (2008), Though Waters Roar (2009) While We're Far Apart (2010), and Wonderland Creek (2011). Fire by Night was also one of only five inspirational fiction books chosen by Library Journal for their top picks of 2003, and All She Ever Wanted was chosen as one of the five inspirational top picks of 2005. Lynn's novel Hidden Places has been made into a movie for the Hallmark Channel, starring actress Shirley Jones. Ms Jones received a 2006 Emmy Award nomination for her portrayal of Aunt Batty in the film. For more information, visit her website at www.lynnaustin.org.

Claudia Wife of Pontius Pilate Book Review

SUMMARY: In a time of turmoil, one woman will search for love and peace - and find it where she never expected.
     Tugged this way and that by fate's indifferent hand, Claudia's life is adrift - until she meets Lucius Pontius Pilate and becomes his wife.  When they move to the troublesome territory of Judea, she does what she has always done: makes the best of it.  But unrest is brewing and Claudia will soon find herself and her beloved husband embroiled in controversy and rebellion.  Might she find hope in the mysterious Jewish Rabbi everyone seems to be talking about?
     Let this epic story whisk you through marbled palaces, dusty marketplaces, and idyllic Italian villas as you follow the unlikely path of a woman who warrants only a passing mention in one of the Gospel accounts, but whose story, as told by Diana Wallis Taylor, is one worthy of legend.

REVIEW:  This is an awesome book!  Let me be quick to point out that this book is a work of fiction.  Not much is written about Claudia but the author did a fantastic job making this story seem like everything was true to life.  There are so many things I love about this book.  The author does not drag you down with details about every year the story covered but gave you the necessary details and moved on. She also weaves in minor characters mentioned in the bible, such as Joanna, where they become important in the movement of this story.  One of my favorite parts of the book is how Pilate feels about the trial (or lack thereof) of Jesus and how he tries to handle it.  The author shows how he really wanted to release Jesus and tried numerous times but, in the end, was forced to hand him over to the Jewish leaders.  The way Diana wrote it fits in neatly with the gospel story of Jesus and Pilate.   Another is how Claudia moves from worshiping the many gods of Rome to worshiping the One True God.  Even though she could be put to death for her beliefs, she stays strong and helps others when she can.
     This is a great book and I highly recommend it to any and everyone!

This book was provided by Revell for review without compensation.

Diana Wallis Taylor is the author of the novels Journey to the Well, Martha, and Mary Magdalene and lives in California  Find out more at www.dianawallistaylor.com.